Laser hair removal. Photoepilation
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular treatment procedures in the modern aesthetic dermatology. Long-standing experience and clinical tests prove high efficiency of this remedy: various hair removing lasers have been used all over the world as long as nearly 20 years.
The alexandrite laser of the latest generation used in the Laser Dermatology Clinic ensures effective hair removal and marks the golden standard in laser epilation. This laser allows application of the most advanced treatment algorithms wide-spread all over the world.
Photoepilation. What is it?
Photoepilation means destruction of the hair follicle by means of light. Only light of high intensity and certain wave length can destroy a hair for a long time.
What is the difference between laser hair removal and intense light hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the most effective method of photoepilation. Lasers emit monochromic (single wave length) light of the highest intensity and act on the principle of selective photothermolysis, i.e. purposefully annihilate both the hair follicle and the adjacent cells that form the hair bud. This ensures long-lasting hair removal. Owing to its ability to emit rays of a single wave length, lasers can resolve specific problems in a specialised manner.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) machines emit polychromic (several wave lengths) light; therefore, they cannot act on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The efficiency of hair removal procedures with the application of intense pulsed light depends on the power of the machine. The power of cosmetology machines ranges within 10-15-20 J/cm2, which is not sufficient for destroying a hair follicle. This is why hair grows again within a short period of time even after 7 – 10 procedures. IPL machines are not designed specially for hair removal and have a broader intended application.
How does the alexandrite laser act?
The Laser Dermatology Clinic is the first one in Lithuania where a highly powerful new-generation GentleLASE alexandrite laser is used. Its power reaches 17.666 W compared to 1.6 – 2.9 W in case of other lasers. It is the most effective hair removal laser1 for light-skinned people because the wave length of 755 nm corresponds to the highest peak of absorption of melanin, a hair pigment. Owing to its high power, the alexandrite laser gains power of up to 100 J/cm2 which makes possible even the removal of light thin hair. This laser is FDA (food and Drug administration) approved for a long term hair removal. When a laser ray passes a hair follicle, the power of the ray burns it immediately. A laser pulse lasts only a fraction of a second. The duration of pulses is calibrated thoroughly in order to ensure that the laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicle and does not affect the surrounding tissues.
The integrated skin cooling system DCD ensures safe and painless skin treatment with high-energy pulses while protecting the skin surface against damage.
Which skin conditions are treated with the alexandrite laser?
Shaving, hair pulling, and depilation creams remove hair just temporarily. Besides, those procedures cause skin problems resulting in hair growing into the skin and causing rash. Even when rash disappears, dark stains remain on the skin for a long time, and in case rash is complicated with a bacterial infection, scars may remain on the skin. The skin becomes rough, and pseudofolliculitis and allergic reactions develop.
This problem is acute for both women and men. For the latter, rash after shaving it the most frequent cause for seeking laser hair removal. After the hair follicle is destroyed, hair will never grow again. Stains and rash disappear, and the appearance of the skin improves notably as early as after 1 – 2 procedures. The skin becomes healthy and smooth again.
Which areas can be treated by laser?
The most frequently performed procedures for women include hair removal in the areas of the upper lip, chin, legs, underarms, and bikini. For men those are the areas of pectoral arch, back, chest and abdomen. Nevertheless, the Laser Dermatology Clinic has facilities for hair removal in any part of the body.
How many procedures should be performed?
According to recent research data, the hypothesis stating that hair absorbs the ray only during the growth stage, has not been proved. It becomes evident that at the early anagen (growth) hair contains the biggest amount of the pigment; therefore, repeat procedures must be performed in order to “catch” as many hairs at this stage as possible. On an average, 3 – 6 procedures are performed. Frequently, the desired result is achieved as soon as after 3 procedures. Hair falls after the 1st procedure, their amount decreases for a long time, and those hair that still grow become thinner, less visible and causing a less severe skin problem. However, a course of procedures should be performed in order to ensure long-lasting results. Procedures are performed every 6 – 8 weeks.
How long does a laser hair removal procedure last?
The state-of-the-art laser technologies used in the Laser Dermatology Clinic allows the use of laser heads of various diameters (ranging from the smallest to the biggest). Therefore, nowadays laser photoepilation is a course of very quickly-performed procedures. A procedure in the upper lip area lasts a few seconds, that in the underarm area – 3 minutes, in the areas of legs and back – 20 to 30 minutes, and in the abdomen area – 10 minutes for men and one minute for women.
Are the procedures painful?
Each laser pulse will bring you a feeling of mild tingling and warmth. The newly developed integrated cooling system ensures additional skin protection during the procedures. It cools the upper skin layers just before the laser pulse is emitted. Owing to this feature of the laser system, no contact cooling or cooling gels are required.
What should you know before performing the procedures?
*Avoid active sunshine at least 2 weeks before the procedures, or use sun-screen creams with SPF values higher than 25 – 30; do not use any self-tanning creams.
*Do not use plucking or waxing 1 month before the procedure. All other hair removal methods when the hair root is preserved, e.g. shaving and cutting, are permissible.
*Do not apply to the skin any irritating compounds such as glycolic acid or retinoids 1 week before the procedures.
*The procedures have the highest effect in case of light skin and darker hair. In case of darker skin, skin-bleaching products can be prescribed 4 – 6 weeks before the procedure.
*In case of perioral viral herpes, antiviral therapy will be prescribed if the procedure is to be performed in the facial area.
*The procedure will not be performed if you are pregnant. Nursing mothers are allowed to undergo the procedure.
1 David J. Goldberg, Laser Dermatology: Pearls and Problems, 2008
The procedures are performed by the qualified doctors of our Clinic.
For more comprehensive information, please address the doctor, contact us or register for a consultation.
Candela - the leader in aesthetic laser solutions www.candelalaser.com
